The Yvonne Chouteau School is the official school of Oklahoma City Ballet offering classes for students ages three to adult from beginner to advanced levels. Our students share a facility with the professional company, enriching each student’s experience by allowing them to observe those dancers in classes, rehearsals, and performances. Students are also offered opportunities to perform with the Oklahoma City Ballet in productions such as Devon Energy’s The Nutcracker.
Our ballet instructors embrace sound movement principles and incorporate the best of the French, Italian, and Russian training methods. Our ballet classes are accompanied by professional pianists and conducted in a supportive environment that fosters the development of proper technique as well as confidence, poise, coordination, and personal well-being.
The School is named to honor the memory of Yvonne Chouteau, who along with her husband Miguel Terekhov, was the first artistic director of Oklahoma City Ballet in 1963. Chouteau is one of the “Five Moons,” Native American prima ballerinas who rose to international acclaim during the 20th century. The Five Moons are honored in the Oklahoma State Capitol and include Yvonne Chouteau (Shawnee Tribe), Rosella Hightower (Choctaw Nation), Moscelyne Larkin (Shawnee-Peoria Tribe), and sisters Maria Tallchief and Marjorie Tallchief (Osage Nation).
CURRICULUM
CHILDREN'S DIVISION
Classes for children ages 3 - 8 that provide a sound technical foundation while fostering a love for movement. This Division includes Creative Movement 3-4 and Primary A, B, and C.
PREPARATORY DIVISION
Classes for students ages 8 - 12. This Division includes Primary D thru Level 3. The classical ballet class structure is introduced, including the usage of the French terminology when learning new steps. Preparation for pointe work is emphasized in Levels 2 - 3.
PRE-PROFESSIONAL DIVISION: EVENING
Classes for students ages 11 - 18. This Division includes Level 4 thru 6. Students are expected to attend classes regularly, train en pointe, and develop the level of discipline expected of professional dancers.
PRE-PROFESSIONAL DIVISION: DAY, AND POST GRADUATE
These intensive programs are designed for students who are interested in pursuing a professional career in ballet. The Day Program (aged 11-18) / Post-Graduate Program (aged 19-22) are by audition or invitation only.
PROFESSIONAL DIVISION
The Studio Company is comprised of Trainees and OKCB II. Acceptance is by audition/invitation only.
Susan E. Brackett Dance Center
With more than 28,000 square feet and six studios, learn more about the home of Oklahoma City Ballet and The Yvonne Chouteau School.
FACULTY
SCHOOL STAFF
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
SCHOOL DIRECTOR
AMANDA HERD-POPEJOY
STUDIO COMPANY MANAGER
MACAIRA PINTO
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR
KAITLIN ALTER
SCHOOL ADMIN ASSOCIATE
EMMA CAPEN
SCHOOL COORDINATOR
QUINCY ALLEN
MORGAN DUNHAM
BRANNON TALLANT
SCHOOL RECEPTIONIST
INSTRUCTORS
ACCOMPANISTS
Karen Bently
clement braden
Yury erivanov
Miho Fisher
Charles Gleason
Donald Tullius
DRESS CODE
The Yvonne Chouteau School is pleased to have Eleve Dancewear as the official dancewear of our Preparatory, Pre-Professional and Professional Divisions. One Eleve leotard is included with each $75 registration fee for students in Level 1 and above.
These beautifully constructed leotards/skirts/shirts can be purchased thru the Yvonne Chouteau School or thru the Eleve website: https://www.elevedancewear.com/.
The Children's Division can purchase their Eurotard leotards/shirts at: https://www.eurotard.com/v4/classes.aspx?studio=S-Ok9898 or locally at Showbiz Boutique at 4427 NW 63rd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73116.
Tights and leotards should be washed on a regular basis.
Tights should be footed; please do not wear cut-off tights.
All ballet slippers should have elastic straps sewn on securely across the ankles.
Drawstrings should be tied in a knot, trimmed, and tucked into the shoe.
No excess clothing should be worn in class.
SCHOOL POLICIES
The Oklahoma City Ballet Yvonne Chouteau School aims to provide the quality dance training necessary for a student to become a professional dancer. Classical ballet technique is the focus of training, as it is the wellspring from which all other concert dance techniques have developed. A strong ballet base is essential for all dancers and makes learning other techniques, such as jazz and modern dance, much easier and safer.
The well being of each student is of primary concern, and The Oklahoma City Ballet Yvonne Chouteau School provides a nurturing and supportive environment for all students. Teaching methods are based on proper body alignment and muscle usage to ensure the safe development of technique for each dancer. Our teaching methods also foster the development of confidence, poise, discipline, coordination, and personal well being.
Students are expected to work to their highest potential. In return, dancers will receive the personal care and attention to their training that they deserve.
A completed registration form and a paid non-refundable registration fee is required for each student.
Fees:
Children’s Division $25
Level 1 and above $75 (Includes one uniform leotard)
TUITION PAYMENT POLICIES
Upon enrollment, payment can be made by credit card, debit card, or ACH draft from your bank account. At least one form of payment is required to enroll. Cash payments still require a credit card on file. There is a $25 fee for insufficient funds or expired cards.